We are beginning to reschedule patients with a modified schedule to protect everyone's health. If you had an appointment with us in March or April, we will be contacting you in the next two weeks to reschedule your appointment. During this time off, Dr. Gregg has reviewed everyone's chart to ensure that their treatment continues as planned! We are so excited to see everyone again and ask for your cooperation as we all navigate this time together.

SOS Repairs

The Need for Repairs

Luckily, there are no true emergencies when it comes to orthodontic braces. Yes, sometimes a bracket will come loose, or wire may start to poke, but most things can be remedied with a little bit of wax to smooth the rough areas until you can schedule an appointment. The following is a list of things that could happen while undergoing orthodontic treatment:

If any of the above things occur, please just call the office the next business day to schedule a repair appointment. Our biggest concern is your comfort. If you are in significant pain, please call the emergency phone number and Dr. Joseph R. Gregg will be paged at home and he will then call you back.

A misplaced or poking wire can irritate the cheeks. You can try to move it into a better position with a Q-tip, tweezers, or your finger. If you are unable to do so, you may be able to cut off the end with a nail clipper, just be sure to call us first for the proper guidance.

Loose or broken brackets, bands, or wires should usually be left as is until your appointment with us. If a piece has completely come off, be sure to bring it to your appointment.

A Major Emergency

A major orthodontic emergency usually involves trauma to the teeth, face, or mouth. This may result in an infection or swelling of these areas or severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain. In any of this situations, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The best place to start is with your general dentist. They usually have the proper tools and treatment you may need. If you cannot get a hold of them, you should seek attention elsewhere, such as your local hospital or urgent care.

Preventing Damage to Your Appliances

Taking care of your orthodontic appliances is an important part of treatment. If you currently have braces bonded to your teeth, you should avoid foods that are hard, sticky, sugary, or contains bones. If you actively participate in sports or other activities that have a risk of trauma, we may recommend a mouth guard. A mouth guard will protect your teeth (and braces) from potential trauma, injury, or damage.

A removable appliance should also be treated with great care. We may recommend you remove it while eating, swimming, or playing sports. You should also avoid flipping your appliance with your tongue. When removing it to eat, never place it in a paper napkin and set it on the table. This is an easy way to have it lost or thrown away. Be sure to keep it away from small children, cats, and dogs, as they may chew on them and cause irreparable damage.

Schedule an Appointment

If you need orthodontic repairs, call (503) 489-4546, and schedule an appointment now!